Key information on the end of life for the SIMATIC S7-1200
Siemens has officially announced the end-of-life of the current SIMATIC S7-1200 (G1) as of 1 November 2026. With this move, the controller family reaches the PM400 milestone. For users, however, this does not mean an immediate discontinuation: the components are set to remain available as new parts until 1 October 2027. After this date, supply will be via spare parts. Siemens states that spare parts will be available until 2036.
For operators of existing systems, this means that there is no need to replace functioning S7-1200 systems immediately due to the product phase-out. However, for new projects, expansions, and long-term plant planning, the successor generation, the SIMATIC S7-1200 G2, should be considered. Siemens describes the G2 as the natural successor generation and has announced that future innovations will be made available exclusively for it.
All the details regarding the transition can be found in the ‘SIMATIC S7-1200 G2 Migration Overview’ document. This document provides a step-by-step migration guide, explains technical differences, and contains overviews of available G2 components and specific migration recommendations for existing S7-1200 hardware.
Migration guideline: SIMATIC S7-1200 G2 (siemens.com)
The timetable at a glance:
| Date | What happens? | Implications for users |
|---|---|---|
| 01.11.2026 | Planned official announcement of the product end-of-life | The transition to the S7-1200 G2 can be planned |
| until 01.10.2027 | S7-1200 still available as new parts | Existing systems can still be expanded and components procured |
| thereafter | S7-1200 available only as spare parts | New projects should be based on the G2 |
| until 2036 | Spare parts availability planned | Long-term supply for existing installations remains possible |
The S7-1200 G2 is the planned successor generation
With the G2, Siemens is further advancing the S7-1200 from a technical perspective. Key new features include increased computing and memory capacity, multi-core processing, NFC, full Web API support, PROFINET IRT and enhanced motion control functions, as well as push-in connection technology. Siemens also highlights its integration into the TIA portfolio and compliance with modern cybersecurity requirements. Further information on the new generation of controllers can be found on the official SIMATIC S7-1200 G2 product page.
Important:
The S7-1200 G2 is not a 1:1 replacement that is mechanically and functionally identical in every respect. The dimensions and positions of various connectors have changed. There are also differences in individual hardware and software functions.
How users can prepare for the changeover
Siemens divides the migration into three steps. The first step focuses on checking the installation. Due to the changed dimensions and connection positions, users should check the space requirements and installation options within the control cabinet. Some power and Ethernet connections are also located in different positions. Furthermore, the G2 uses push-in terminals instead of screw terminals.
The second step concerns hardware availability. Many modules from the well-known S7-1200 family are already available for the G2. However, users should check whether a suitable G2 component is available for specialised modules. Siemens cites IO-Link and energy measurement modules, certain communication modules and weighing modules as examples of items still under development at the time of writing.
Finally, software compatibility must be checked. Siemens generally rates this highly. To receive full support for the S7-1200 G2, users require TIA Portal V20 or higher. Depending on the existing project, they may need to adapt individual instructions or functions.
Migration tool assists with the transition
For larger existing projects, Siemens provides an S7-1200 G2 migration tool in the form of a TIA Portal add-in. The included migration checker verifies the compatibility of the hardware and software. The tool can automatically migrate hardware and software elements, generating logs that detail any issues detected and provide recommendations. Depending on the project, manual steps may still be required afterwards.
Images: Siemens
